Cornell and Monash unveil breakthroughs in lithium‑ion battery recycling and lithium extraction

Researchers at Cornell University have developed a Direct Electrode‑to‑Electrode Regeneration (DEER) process that restores worn‑out lithium‑ion batteries to about 95% of their original capacity. By removing the insulating solid electrolyte interphase with a specialized electrochemical solution, the method avoids dismantling the cell and could cut recycling costs by roughly half while reducing water use and emissions.

Separately, engineers at Monash University in Australia reported a low‑water, low‑energy method for extracting lithium from solid salt mixtures. Using common organic solvents such as ethanol and acetone, the technique achieves around 95% lithium recovery and, when paired with solar‑driven evaporation, recovers more than 99% of the solvent, eliminating the need for fresh water. The approach also removes impurities like boron and sulfate, and a patent application has been filed. Both innovations aim to make the growing battery industry more sustainable by easing material shortages and lessening environmental impact.